Pulmonary Physiology for Athletes

Breathing supplies oxygen to muscles. It removes carbon dioxide from the body. Athletes need efficient gas exchange. The lungs adapt to training stress.

Air enters through the nose or mouth. It moves into the trachea. It then splits into bronchi and bronchioles. The smallest airways end in alveoli. Alveoli are tiny air sacs. They are surrounded by capillaries. Oxygen diffuses into blood here. Carbon dioxide diffuses out.

Oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Each hemoglobin can carry four oxygen molecules. Blood carries oxygen to working muscles. More oxygen means better performance.

Carbon dioxide is a waste product. It travels in blood to the lungs. It is exhaled during breathing out. Efficient removal delays fatigue.

At rest, breathing is slow. During exercise, breathing rate rises. Tidal volume also increases. This boosts minute ventilation. Minute ventilation = breaths per minute × tidal volume.

Endurance training expands lung capacity. It strengthens respiratory muscles. It increases capillary density around alveoli. These changes improve gas exchange. They also raise VO₂ max.

Diaphragmatic breathing uses the diaphragm. It lowers chest pressure. It allows larger tidal volumes. Rhythmic breathing matches breath to stride. It can reduce perceived effort.

Air is thinner at high altitude. Oxygen pressure is lower. Athletes may feel breathless. Acclimatization increases red blood cell count. This helps oxygen delivery.

Exercise‑induced asthma narrows airways. Symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath. Proper warm‑up can reduce risk. Over‑training can cause respiratory fatigue.

Deep breathing after exercise aids recovery. It helps clear carbon dioxide. It promotes oxygen uptake. Stretching the chest can improve lung compliance.